2. (1)
Do we consider this congregation to be strong in the Lord?
Are we, really?
Will visitors say that we are WEAK or Strong in the Lord?

3. (1) Are you strong in the Lord?
Do you give up very easy when troubles comes?
What and how can we do to be strong in The Lord?

4. (1)
Ephesians 6:10
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

5. People are content with weakness in religion, more than in any other field.
Want to be best parent, professional or hobbyist - not best Christian.
 Want to know as much as needed to succeed in secular pursuits - not as Christian.
 Want to spend all can afford to become strong in other fields - not as Christian.
We must learn to be strong in face of forces working against our salvation.
Takes whole armor to withstand. (v. 11).
Takes doing all to stand and then standing. (vv. 13)
Ephesians 6:13
(NKJV) 13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV) 11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

6. We Must Learn To Be Strong In The Face Of Person Weaknesses.
All have personal weaknesses - even strong Christians. (1 Cor. 9:27).
All do not have same weaknesses.
Each needs to know his, be honest, avoid tempting it. (Mt. 6:13).
Avoid places, people, situations in view of your particular weaknesses.
Do not over-estimate your strength to resist. (1 Cor. 10:12).
1 Corinthians 10:  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Matthew 6:13 (NKJV) 13  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV) 27  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

7. We Must Learn To Be Strong In The Face Of Common Temptations.
Realize that you are not alone in such temptations. (1 Cor. 10:13).
Turn to God for deliverance - don't try to go alone.
Search Scriptures. (2 Tim. 3:16).
a. Jesus said “It is written...” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10)
b. Hide them in your heart (Psalm 119:11)
2. Pray for help. (Phil. 4:5-7; Heb. 4:15, 16).
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) 15  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalm 119:11 11  Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV) 4  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Matthew 4:4-8 (NKJV) 4  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 7  Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " Matthew 4:10 (NKJV) 10  Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) 13  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

8. We Must Learn To Be Strong In The Face Of Religious Deception.
Love truth above all else. (2 Thess. 2:9-12).
Look for substance rather than style. (Rom. 16:17,18).
Let reason rule emotion, rather than vise versa. (Phil. 4:5; Acts 17:2; 18:4, 9; 24:25).
Acts 18:4 (NKJV) 4  And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:9 (NKJV) 9  Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;
Acts 24:25 (NKJV) 25  Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."
Acts 17:2 (NKJV) 2  Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV) 17  Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV) 9  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10  and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12  that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Philippians 4:5 5  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

9. We Must Learn To Be Strong In The Face Of Active Opposition.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV) 11  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 10:16-24 (NKJV) 16  "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17  But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18  You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19  But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20  for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21  Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22  And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23  When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24  A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
We Must Learn To Be Strong In The Face Of Active Opposition.
Expect it without inviting it. (Matt. 10:16-24).
Accept it and rejoice in it. (Matt. 5:11,12).
Understand it comes even from brethren. (3 John 9).
3 John 1:9 (NKJV) 9  I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

10. It takes preparation (“having done all”) and determination (“stand therefore..”) to withstand such.
It takes a strong faith to forego present advantages for future eternal reward.